Lexical Summary isotés: Equality, fairness Original Word: ἰσότης Strong's Exhaustive Concordance equality. Likeness (in condition or proportion); by implication, equity -- equal(-ity). HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 2471 isótēs – equality (likeness), proportional. See 2470 (isos). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom isos Definition equality NASB Translation equality (2), fairness (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2471: ἰσότηςἰσότης, ἰσότητος, ἡ (ἴσος); 1. equality: ἐξ ἰσότητος (cf. ἐκ, V. 3) by equality, 2 Corinthians 8:13 (14), equivalent to ὅπως γένηται ἰσότης, 14. 2. equity, fairness, what is equitable, joined with τό δίκαιον: Colossians 4:1. (Euripides, Plato, Aristotle, Polybius, others; (cf. Lightfoot on Colossians, the passage cited, yet per contra Meyer).) Concept and Scope Isotēs expresses a state of balanced reciprocity and just proportion. In the New Testament it refers neither to an imposed egalitarianism nor to abstract mathematical parity, but to a Spirit‐wrought fairness that protects each believer’s dignity and stewardships resources so that no member of Christ’s body is neglected. Occurrences in the New Testament • 2 Corinthians 8:13 – “It is not that others should be relieved while you are burdened, but that there should be equality.” 2 Corinthians 8:13–14 – Economic Reciprocity among Churches Paul is collecting aid for famine-stricken believers in Judea. The Macedonian and Corinthian congregations, though culturally diverse, are bound together by grace. Isotēs safeguards against two extremes: (1) Corinthian believers hoarding their abundance, and (2) Judean believers suffering unnecessary want. The anticipated result is mutual dependence that will one day reverse as circumstances change (“their surplus will meet your need”). Such reciprocity reflects Israel’s wilderness manna principle (Exodus 16:18) where “the one who gathered much had no excess, and the one who gathered little had no shortage.” Colossians 4:1 – Household Relationships Transformed Within the Greco-Roman domus, masters wielded absolute rights. Paul subordinates that cultural norm to the lordship of Christ. Isotēs calls employers to recognize servants as fellow image-bearers and to practice equitable remuneration and humane treatment. The motivation is eschatological accountability: “you also have a Master in heaven.” Equality here is not role reversal but moral parity before God, relativizing earthly status distinctions. Rooted in Divine Character Scripture repeatedly presents the LORD as impartial (Deuteronomy 10:17; Acts 10:34). The incarnate Son “though He was rich, yet for your sakes became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9). The Cross thus becomes both the ground of salvation and the paradigm for sacrificial sharing. Continuity with Old Testament Ethics Prophetic denunciations of economic oppression (Isaiah 58; Amos 5) and legal codes that protect the vulnerable (Leviticus 25) prefigure the New Testament call for isotēs. The Jubilee principle—resetting inequities and releasing debts—foreshadows the church’s voluntary redistribution recorded in Acts 2:44–45 and Acts 4:32–35. Historical Context In classical Greek thought isotes could denote political equality among citizens. Paul repurposes the term, not to advocate civic revolution, but to cultivate a kingdom counter-culture within existing societal frameworks. His letters were circulated in a Roman economy marked by patronage systems and large wealth disparities; isotēs confronts these realities with kingdom ethics while maintaining evangelistic priorities. Theological Emphasis 1. Unity in Christ overrides ethnic, economic, and social stratifications (Galatians 3:28). Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Congregational Benevolence: Budgeting for member relief honors isotēs and authenticates Christian witness. Eschatological Outlook The present pursuit of isotēs anticipates the consummated kingdom where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13) and every need is perfectly met in the unveiled presence of God (Revelation 21:4). Until then, believers embody this future reality through equitable generosity and just relationships. Englishman's Concordance 2 Corinthians 8:13 N-GFSGRK: ἀλλ' ἐξ ἰσότητος NAS: but by way of equality-- INT: but of equality 2 Corinthians 8:14 N-NFS Colossians 4:1 N-AFS Strong's Greek 2471 |
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